BY RHEA MANILA SANTOS

Before he became the first ever winner of The Voice of the Philippines in 2013, Mitoy Yonting had already been singing in and outside of the country as part of a band. Mitoy said he grew up singing Elvis Presley songs as early as the fourth grade. “Unang beses na kumanta ako nasa elementary pa ako. Yung unang kanta ko kung hindi ‘Blue Christmas’, then ‘It’s Now or Never’ by Elvis Presley. Namana ko yun sa tatay ko, kasi pag nag-iinom siya lagi siyang kumakanta ng mga Elvis Presley songs eh (laughs),” he shared during the Biyaheng Diyes: Mitoy Yonting and The Draybers 10th Anniversary Concert presscon held last October 10 in Pasay City.

Even after more than two decades of performing, Mitoy said he is happy to celebrate his band’s 10th anniversary with their first ticketed gig. The band has been used to giving regular performances at the casino area of Resorts World Manila since 2011. Mitoy said he feels a little pressure to bring in a bigger crowd. “Sa tingin ko ang mga manunuod dito sa concert namin, susuportahan nila kami dito kasi wala sila nung umay factor, wala silang ganun. Sabi ko nga, unang unangbeses namin ito na magpa-ticket kami (laughs) na kinakabahan ako na. I’m going to be honest. Sinabi ko nga na in the seven years na nandito kami sa Resorts World, ngayon lang kasi kami magpapa-ticket,” he said.

Watch Mitoy on October 30, Tuesday at Biyaheng Diyes: Mitoy Yonting and The Draybers 10th Anniversary concert happening at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. Directed by Paolo Valenciano, The Drayber’s 10th year anniversary gig is also packed with powerhouse guests like Dulce; Randy Santiago; Nyoy Volante; Tawag ng Tanghalan Champion Noven Belleza and finalist Ato Arman, and Tanya Manalang. Tickets are now available at RWM Box Office and at TicketWorld.